Asthma in Children - Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Introduction

Asthma is a lung disease in which the airway is narrow and swollen. The airways get blocked due to the production of excess mucus. It affects the respiratory system. It is a chronic disease, and it requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Parents should meet a pediatrician as soon as possible if the child is experiencing symptoms such as wheezing, frequent cough, and breathlessness. The pediatrician evaluates the symptoms and determines whether or not the signs point to asthma. The treatment plan is followed according to the severity of the disease.

What is Asthma?

Bronchial asthma is a respiratory disease. It is caused by inflammation of the airways. It is a chronic disease in which airway inflammation causes difficulty breathing. The airways become hyperactive as it becomes sensitive to irritants and allergens. Various irritants and allergens, such as pollen and dust, act as asthma triggers that start symptoms. Infants have smaller airways than adults; even mild bronchial inflammation can cause an emergency.

What Are the Causes of Asthma?

There are various causes and risk factors for asthma. Following are the specific factors that increase the risk of asthma in infants.

• Genetic Factor: If there is a family history of allergic disease or asthma, the child is at higher risk of asthma. If the parents have an account, the child is at risk of acquiring this disease.

• Environment Factor: If the child is exposed to an environment with an irritant, they are more likely to develop asthma. It can harm young children as their immune system is not entirely developed.

• Allergies: Chronic exposure to allergens increases the risk of developing asthma. Pollen grain dust particles, fumes, and toxins are toxic allegations harmful to infants and young children.

• Respiratory Infections - Respiratory infections damage young children's developing lungs, increasing asthma risk.

• Smoking: Mothers who smoke during pregnancy have a higher risk of children born with asthma. It affects the lung development of the child and affects airway function.

• Premature Babies: Premature babies are at high risk of asthma because of an underdeveloped immune system.

What Are the Types of Asthma?

Following are the various types of asthma.

• Intermittent - In this type of asthma, there is an average time gap between the flare.

• Persistent - In this type of asthma, symptoms are present for a longer duration of time. Symptoms can vary according to severity.

• Allergic - Asthma is caused due to allergens such as pollen grains and dust particles.

• Non-Allergic - Factors such as cold weather, exercise, and stress cause asthma.

• Adult Onset - It occurs after the age of eighteen years.

• Pediatric Onset -It is also known as childhood-onset asthma. It begins after the age of five years.

• Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Syndrome - It happens when asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease occur in children.

What Are the Clinical Features of Asthma?

Following are the clinical feature of asthma

• Recurrent coughing and wheezing.

• Trouble breathing.

• Tightness of the chest.

• The child breathes louder and faster.

• Running nose is caused by hay fever.

• Coughing is seen with clear mucus.

• The symptoms appear to worsen at night.

• The symptoms get triggered by cold air, exercise, and exposure to allergens.

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of bronchial asthma is based on the signs and symptoms according to the child's age. Following are the tests which are used in the diagnosis of asthma.

1. Spirometry: In this process, a spirometer is used to check lung function. It can be done around the age of five years.

2. Peak Flow Monitoring: In this test, the peak flow meter measures the air a child can exhale from the lungs.

3. Chest -X-ray - It helps to rule out other diseases like asthma.

4. Allergy Test: It helps identify asthma's triggering factors and allergens.

5. Lung Test: This test diagnoses asthma based on medical history signs and symptoms.

Conclusion

Various diseases have similar symptoms, like asthma; therefore, it is sometimes hard to diagnose. Its diagnosis is based on detailed medical history, physical examination, and clinical signs and symptoms. The parents should report every symptom to doctors as it provides a clue to the doctor, whether it is asthma or some other disease. Once the diagnosis is specific, the doctor runs various tests to treat the child properly. Therefore, parents should take care of their child's health regularly and adequately maintain the healthcare visits.